It is said that time travels very quickly. That it stops for no one, no matter the case. Anyone who knows the depth of time abides by it and eventually ends up regretting not being much more competent. In this case as always, I can mention an exception. Gossip travels way faster than that. And the Gossip Column of the Ton never left no leaf unturned when it comes to their dear Princess.
"Her Royal Highness: A Marital Failure.
We as the esteemed members of not only the Ton but as the citizens to our beloved nation are bound to consider the Crown impeccable at their duty. But perfection might be impossible, basic decency should not be.
It has come into light the behavior of Her Highness Princess Amber during the most recent Ball of the season. And it does not grant us any satisfaction or hope of seeing our dear Princess in holy matrimony any soon. For she was seen abruptly cutting short her dance with the Duke of Dunwell a few nights ago. The reason remains unknown even from the most professional of whisperers from inside the ballroom that witnessed this incident. It could be anything for that matter, however, one cannot simply overlook the kind-hearted spirit that His Grace shares amongst others.
One might suppose that being the eldest child and princess to the Crown might grant her the sensibilty or understanding of her position and duty. Princess Amber has been offered various advantages over the years to secure a suitable match. For alliances have come (and been flung) from Dukes, Marquesses and the Noblest, Her Highness remains as unmarried as a Spinster and always failing to set a great example.
All we can do is hope for her younger sister, The Crown Princess Ruby to rectify all misunderstandings and find a husband when she officially enters the Marriage Mart and perhaps abstain from taking advices from her Spinster of a Sister."
The Queen was furious beyond words and bounds. She had come stalking into my bedchamber as soon as the Gossip sheet fell into her hands early into the morning. My hair was still undone and jewelry lying in the small containers waiting to be worn. I was grateful that she didn't interrupt my practice session though.
"Well, what do you have to say?" The Queen asked furiously. "Anything at all?"
"Umm..." I started while staring at the Gossip sheet. "I have to say, the writing is exquisite. Is it not? The wonderful use of words really-"
"Seriously, Amber? You are actually making me lose my mind and speech. How can someone be so nonchalant!?" She rasped and looked hopelessly at Robert who was standing at the end of the room.
"I told you already, Your Majesty. His demeanor didn't sit well with me, he addressed me by my first name, and was a bit problematic as well." I tried to explain.
"Uhh. You don't understand it, do you!" The Queen yelled loudly which took me back. "It's not just about you, Amber! It's about the entire family— the Crown! It was not just you who was disrespected but your sister was mentioned too! How selfish can you even be, Amber. Ruby is but six and ten years old. For her to be mentioned in such a controversial sheet is outrageous! Taking care for us has been an expectation failed multiple times, but I thought you took concern for atleast your younger sister. Whatever is wrong with you?"
"I am truly sorry, Your Majesty. I didn't mean for it to be directed towards anyone from our family for that matter. I never wanted it to be aimed at Ruby at all. I-"
"Cannot speak now, can you? What happened to your vile speech now?" She accused. "I have done everything I could for you since all these years and you have taken granted. I arranged so many competent suitors for you and all you've done is just deny them and find out faults in each one."
My mouth fell open due to shock of her words so much that I let out a small chuckle. "Competent suitors?" I echoed. "Men who see me as a prize from amongst the 'herd' to be claimed, not a person to be known? Have you forgot the time when I was almost compromised by a 'gentleman' when I was just but seven and ten myself! And that he tried to force me into marriage when there was no proper courting in between us. Where was your concern then? And where is your concern today as well? I have told you already that he disrespected me! Forgive me for not being thrilled to hand over my life to a stranger who can recite lineage but not ask a single real question."
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
She stepped closer, voice now lower but laced with ice. "Let me tell you one thing, Amber. From today, if you do not obey me I will have to take very serious measures. Ones that even I won't take pleasure in carrying out."
I stood still, swallowing the weight of her words. Pride prickled behind my ribs, but worry had already taken premise beneath it.
"Then do what you must, Your Majesty," I said quietly. "But don't expect me to keep pretending everything is fine when I'm barely trying to hold myself together."
She turned without another word, the door shutting behind her like a verdict.
I was left in the silence, pride intact- but still breaking whenever Ruby came into my mind. And it further ruptured when I thought about the promenade I had with her later into the day.
———
It had become a bit stifling, having to manage not only family drama but also Ton drama and Evendon drama. I was gladly content into managing the last one but the first two seemed frustating at best. Maybe, the reason Evendon drama wasn't as tiring was because the trouble was infact...well...Real. It didn't really matter whatever the Gossip column said about me; they have had since the last seven years since I had debuted. But why it affected me now was it was the first time Ruby was mentioned, and also was questioned about her character just because she was my sister.
I was enduring a very heavy headache by the time it was afternoon. I decided to shove it aside and show up in the Royal Gardens with a high spirit for the promenade with Ruby.
"Your Highness." Ruby said and curtsied with a smug of a smile.
"Hey, stop it." I laughed. "Since when do we have such formality in between us?"
She sniggered back and directed us towards the vast greenery of the Gardens. There was something special about the Royal Gardens of Asnovitch. Each member of the family was given a small patch area to cultivate their favorite plants and tend to them. There were many exquisite and never-before-seen plantlets that adorned the region of the Gardens. Some section of the King's collection consisted of flora which could easily buy out a Baron's house. Such was the status of the Royal Family of Asnovitch.
We stopped on foot of Ruby's division and tended to her favorites. They consisted of all the scientific premium crops that assisted the men of science.
"They don't attract a lot of attention, do they?" I said as I eyed her unusual bunch.
"You took it all away with your activities." Ruby smirked bluntly, with a teasing reproach.
I could only try and chuckle at her remark, though her words lingered. "Oh. I see that you have read the latest piece."
Ruby nodded. "The writing was quite good."
"Does that really matter?" I said a bit impatiently. "I mean, just this morning did I endure a rather harsh scolding from the Queen. Her words have put me into thought that.....I might be projecting wrong influence over you."
There was a pause, and the hum of the gardens filled the silence between us. Birds chirped above, unaware of the quiet guilt that knotted my words. Ruby looked at me with a peculiar frown on her face. "Since when do you take care of Mother's words?"
"Shouldn't I? I mean she-"
"If you wish to talk to me with such depth and meaning, I must admit to you that it makes me less encouraging about this conversation or even the promenade as a whole." She said with a very dull voice.
"Umm well then..." I tussled to form sentences. Her saying could pull me into deep doubt but I sincerely did not need another family member on my bad side.
"Let's explore my collection, shall we?"
She huffed. "Much better."
We walked towards my bunch which was situated at the far end of the nursery. I specifically asked for such a location for....various reasons. I indulged in beautiful flowers, particularly black and red roses which gave me a regal vibration.
"Yours are more interesting, I have to say." Ruby commented. "But still tactless. Whatever can one do with these roses?"
"Does it matter? I love them and are atleast more appealing than yours at best." I beamed. "However, my Viper steals the show, doesn't it?"
"I thought you let it go..."
Ruby's voice trembled— not out of fear, but something closer to disbelief. Her gaze fixated on the serpent, its scaled body glistening like oiled velvet beneath the nursery light. My Viper flicked its tongue lazily, unbotherd, as though it, too, knew it was the most magnificient creature in the room.
I stepped closer, crouching near coils nestled between the roses. With deliberate care, I extended a hand and let my fingers lightly along its back— a silent exchange of trust forged in stillness and caution. The Viper didn't flinch. It merely adjusted its position, as if leaning into the familiarity of my touch.
"I tried to. But I couldn't bring myself to it. He's adorable, isn't he?" I asked Ruby just as the small serpent lifted up his head and coiled himself around my wrist.
"What if he turns against you? And attack you?" Ruby's ghastly voice said. I looked back at her who had taken various steps back.
"He won't." I smiled and adored him further.
Ruby's figure had gone pale and almost lifeless due to fear. "I would go into full shock if I stand in presence of this creature. I'm leaving."
I couldn't stop her— she had already started walking away from me, her lady's maid behind, casting one last glance at the Viper on my wrist. Both of them walking as though the very air had turned venomous.
The Viper blinked once, then slithered sway from me and vanished into the thickest of thorns, vanishing away. I exhaled slowly, about to retreat myself— when a voice, unwelcome and entirely too smug, broke the silence.
"You terrified the young lady."
I didn't look. I knew the voice- smooth, clipped, and soaked in disapproval. My spirit just plummeted great heights as I turned around and faces Wilius.
"What are you doing here, Wilius?" I questioned, brushing off some dust from my sleeves. "Shouldn't you be off somewhere, looking around for mistresses?"
He stepped into view with all the grace of someone who thought the world owed him applause. Truthfully speaking, if I did have a chance, I would've loved to grant him a great punch.
"I came to meet you. Converse with you." He said, extending a gloved hand half-heartedly.
I wished to flee the site even faster than Ruby did just a few seconds ago. Wilius wanted to converse with me? I was already one foot out of the nursery at this point.
"How generous of you," I muttered, ignoring his offered hand. "For thinking of me as a legible person to talk."
"Must we always spar?" He asked, feigning weariness. "We're siblings, not sworn enemies."
"We wouldn't have to," I said as we started walking out of the nursery. "if you hadn't derided me the other day. For your information, I do know the letters of the Alphabet. Perhaps much more."
"Let's put that behind us, shall we? We have much more interesting topics from which we can engage."
I rolled my eyes. Serious lack of accountability in this man. "What can we talk about?"
"Perhaps, your attempt at wanting to be more 'useful'. Your endeavor for the Royal Archives." Wilius whispered in a very diminutive voice. He had adopted a dark smile on his face.
The Royal Archives? Had Wilius figured out suspicions against me? Did I seem to pursuable?
"Whatever do you mean?" I was taking low shallow breaths, nervousness laced with every single word.
"Whatever do I mean? You think me stupid do you, Sister?" He sniggered. "Do you think I don't know what you really want from the Archives. Do you think I don't know you who really are?"
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